Hengästymiseen

Hengästymiseen, commonly known as breathlessness or dyspnea, is a subjective sensation of difficult or labored breathing. It is a symptom, not a disease, and can be caused by a wide range of conditions affecting the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, or even psychological factors. The sensation can vary in intensity, from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating distress.

Physiologically, the feeling of breathlessness arises when the body perceives an imbalance in gas exchange or an increased effort required to breathe. This can be due to insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues, an excess of carbon dioxide, or an increased workload on the respiratory muscles. The brain interprets these signals as a need to breathe more deeply or rapidly.

Common causes of hengästymiseen include respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. Cardiovascular issues like heart failure, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction can also lead to breathlessness as the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently. Anemia, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, can also manifest as this symptom. Furthermore, anxiety and panic attacks can trigger a sensation of breathlessness, often accompanied by other symptoms like rapid heart rate and dizziness.

Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and potentially diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays, electrocardiograms (ECG), pulmonary function tests, and blood work to identify the underlying cause. Treatment focuses on addressing the root condition, which may include medications to manage respiratory or cardiac diseases, oxygen therapy, or psychological interventions for anxiety-related breathlessness.